The London Police Service has a busy weekend ahead. Western’s Fake Homecoming, also known as “Foco” is Saturday and London police plan to be there as always. Party-goers swarm the streets by Western University, one of the most popular spots being Broughdale. This happens every year during the unsanctioned celebrations.
Sandasha Bough is the Media Relations officer for the London Police and she says students need to be off the streets.
“It’s a matter of public safety. If anything happens and somebody needs help, emergency vehicles need to get through. We’re urging people to avoid the area. Public safety is our priority.”
Credit- London Police ON Twitter
Past parties for “Fake Homecoming” have caused a bad reputation in neighborhoods. Non- attendees and those living around the Broughdale and Western area still have to endure the events of foco.
“Were concerned with not only the individuals that may attend the parties, but also others in the community. In the past, there were so many people in the streets emergency crews were not able to access the streets and get to those who needed immediate assistance.”
The London Police are also monitoring social media this weekend for information that leads to keeping the students and communities safe.
“Any social media that we area able to respond to we are, we are letting these individuals know that are planning these events that we will be in attendance and were thanking them for an invitation. So, were reminding them that it’s still Project LEARN right now and we hope that they have fun but do so responsibly.”
Bough adds that police will interject when they feel it’s necessary. London Police will be enforcing laws such as:
- Open Liquor
- Underage Drinking
- City Bylaw Offences
Officers will be out again all weekend for #ProjectLEARN. Don't forget that consuming or having liquor if you are under the age of 19 could cost you $125 (and your drink!) Celebrate responsibly #ldnont #dontgetLEARNed pic.twitter.com/UkVPgcNSwD
— London Police ON (@lpsmediaoffice) September 22, 2018
Police will also be using Project LEARN as a part of their efforts at fake homecoming. It’s the final weekend of the September blitz of the police’s Project LEARN, enforcing liquor regulations and reducing noise. The goal of the project is to protect public safety and property and to help students celebrate responsibly. London Police have been working with Fanshawe College and Western University all month to maintain a safe, enjoyable environment around the schools and downtown. Police presence has been much higher over the last month during back to school parties and caps off the blitz at Western Foco.
